The BLTS Archive - When The Time Is Right
by T'Lin ( LinkyS@aol.com )

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Note: A small vignette written for ENT challenge week -- any pairing,
as long as it's het.

My chocolate goes to T'Pol.

Archiving: ASC*, BLTS and my own web page -- all others, please ask
first.

Disclaimer: STAR TREK isn't mine. I intend no copyright infringement,
nor do I make any money off of my endeavors. This vignette is the
property of T'Lin, © June 30, 2003.

Feedback always appreciated ... sent privately or publicly.

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Malcolm entered sickbay ... he had been told that T'Pol was doing
well, but he wanted to see for himself. Her behavior earlier
disturbed him greatly ... as did his reaction to her. Fighting his
desire to comfort her and help her in any way he could, he did as the
doctor had instructed; shooting her had been the hardest thing he had
ever had to do.

But the doctor had assured him that she would recover fully. He has
also asked Malcolm to respect her privacy, and keep the incident to
himself.  Malcolm had no intention of telling anyone about it ...
after all, the incident was highly personal, and potentially
embarrassing.

He did, however, need to speak to her about it ... if nothing else,
to assure her that he wouldn't tell a soul about what happened in the
corridor outside of decontamination.

The main part of sickbay was empty; the doctor was nowhere to be
found. Malcolm made the assumption that T'Pol was in one of the
private rooms, and picked one at random ... there she was, sleeping
soundly. He stood in the doorway, smiling as he watching her sleep,
thinking how beautiful and peaceful she looked.

Even in sleep, Malcolm could see that the doctor was correct ... she
had been cured of whatever it was that had ailed her. He was pleased,
yet a part of him longed to see her as she had been ... looking at
him with eyes filled with desire and lust. It had excited him to see
her like that ... and saddened him, in a way, that it would never be
in reality. She was Vulcan, she did not lust after him, and never
would.

But he could still dream, and admire her from afar.

He quietly crossed the room, and bent to lightly kiss her forehead
before he left ... the conversation he wanted to have with her could
wait until later. As his lips brushed her brow, her eyes opened, and
she said, "Thank you."

Malcolm stepped back hastily, startled by her quiet words. He could
feel the heat of embarrassment coloring his cheeks, and hoped that
the dim lighting was enough to hide it from her, as he  stammered, "I
... I'm glad to hear ... that you are ... um ...  better."

"Yes," she said, then looked away as she continued, "I am grateful
that you were able to return me to the doctor's care. As you
undoubtedly noticed, I was not myself."

Malcolm took a step closer to the bed, and lightly touched her chin,
so that she would turn and face him once again. His fingers lingered,
lightly caressing her cheek as he said, "Yes, I noticed ... and
believe me when I say that what transpired between is will remain our
secret."

"So the doctor has informed me, and for that I must also thank you."
She fell silent, and Malcolm removed his hand from her face and
stepped away again.

"Rest now," he said, then turned to leave the small room.

Just as he was about to open the door, she said, "Perhaps one day,
you will tell me what I said and did, for I have no recollection of
my escape from decontamination."

"None at all?" he asked, suddenly understanding why the doctor had
been so insistent with his keeping the incident to himself.

"None ... although," she admitted with a very slight  smile,
"considering my ... condition ... I have some ideas. That is  the
reason I thanked you when I first woke ... I believe there are  some
aboard this ship who would have taken advantage of the  situation."

"You may be right, but I am first and foremost a gentleman ... and as
a gentlemen, may I suggest that the incident be forgotten?" Malcolm
wanted nothing more than to take T'Pol in his arms and assure her
that everything would be all right.

"If you wish," T'Pol said, then added, "but there may come a time
when I will seek you out, and renew this discussion."

"May I ask why?" Malcolm asked, puzzled that she would wish to reopen
such a delicate subject.

"Because, of all the men on this ship, you are the one I would wish
to share this with."

There appeared to be a slight spark in her eyes, one that reflected
the desire he had seen there earlier. "I don't understand," he said,
reluctant to hope that his feelings for her were reciprocated.

She smiled ever so slightly, saying, "When the time is right, I will
explain further. For now, I will bid you a good night."

"Good night, T'Pol ... rest well." And with these words, Malcolm left
sickbay, a smile on his face, knowing that there may be a place in
T'Pol's heart for him, after all.

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The End